South Carolina
Equine Industry Promotion Bill

Frequently Asked Questions

17. What is the Equine Industry Promotion Legislative Proposal?

1. A legislative proposal that would allow a self-imposed assessment of $2.00 per ton of registered horse feed or supplements (a nickel per 50-lb. bag of horse feed).  This would amount to approximately $1.80 per horse per year.  This concept has the approval of horse owners, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, Clemson University, the South Carolina Farm Bureau, the S. C. Horsemen’s Council, breed associations, usage groups, major feed companies, independent feed mill operators, and other industry related organizations.

17. What is the purpose of the assessment?

1. To provide funds for the purpose of promoting the interests (market development education publicity, research, recurring census, etc.) for South Carolina’s equine industry.  These program areas are mandated by the authorizing legislation.

17. How will the funds fro the assessment be utilized?

1. These funds would be used to benefit the South Carolina Equine Industry:

a)  For the production of marketing, informational and education materials and programs;

b)  To encourage development and growth of the horse industry through the attraction of new owners, relocation of out-of-state equine operations and expansion of new and existing equine-related businesses;

c)  To develop and expand the youth programs (4-H, Pony Club, FFA, S. C. High School Rodeo Association, Breed association youth groups, etc.).

d)  To encourage research that would help the development of the equine industry;

e)  To improve interaction with South Carolina governmental agencies (DHECC, Forestry and Natural Resources, PRT, the General Assembly, etc.) and national agencies (USDA, National Forests, AHC, etc.) deemed necessary for the improvement of the South Carolina equine industry;

f)   To enhance the general public’s image and knowledge of the South Carolina equine industry ad benefits of horse ownership;

g)  To continue to conduct an equine census/survey on a regular basis;

h)  For trails advocacy – development, utilization and accessibility;

i)   For equine facility development and promotion.

17. How will the assessment be collected?

The feed manufacturers will remit the assessment directly to the South Carolina Department of Revenue who will remit all funds collected to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture for disbursement.

17. Is it possible to receive a refund?

1. Yes.  The request must be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture within one year of purchase and must be accompanied by proofs of purchase.

17. Do any other commodity groups have a similar assessment?

1. Yes.  Other commodity groups in South Carolina have similar, self-assessing systems including beef, pork, watermelons, soybeans, etc.

17. Is the assessment a tax?

1. NO.  A tax is for the support of government.  THIS IS A VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENT TO BE USED STRICTLY FOR PROMOTION OF THE EQUINE INDUSTRY.

17. Is anyone available to visit my group, club, etc. to speak or answer questions?

1. Absolutely.  Please contact the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, South Carolina Farm Bureau or the S. C. Horsemen’s Council.

Mary Ellen Tobias
SC Dept. of Agriculture
(803) 734-2200
mtobias@scda.sc.gov

David Branham
SC Farm Bureau
(803) 936-4692  
dbranham@scfb.com